An eco-tourism venture at a Rutland farm has received the go-ahead.

The venture in Belton-in-Rutland was approved by a meeting of the county council's planning committee last week.

Councillors considered the application from Kirsty Brooks and Clare Farmer of Brooks Farm on Littleworth Lane, due to the public interest it had generated.

As previously reported by Nub News, the pair sought build three wooden moveable pods, two shepherds huts and on-site facilities pod and Reception hut, plus a badger/nature hide on the farm.

Their planning application to Rutland County Council said the holiday huts and pods on 0.97ha of grazing land would each sleep up to four people.

There would also be a shower block, grass and wooden decking areas for people to enjoy the peace of the surroundings, and a 1m limestone track for access between the pods and a car park.

However, the local community was split on the issue, with the county council receiving 11 objections, but also 16 letters of support.

A report prepared for the meeting last week said opponents cited issues including light and noise pollution, part of the development being in a conservation area, the scheme encouraging public gatherings, generating traffic and not being in keeping with the area.

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But supporters said the scheme would benefit the nearby village, supporting the local economy and its businesses, it was modest in scale, and similar schemes had also delivered benefits, and the venture would be no more visually intrusive than a nearby glamping site.

Recommending approval, council planning staff advised councillors: "This proposal for a camping site in this location is considered small scale, acceptable in principle, with access to supporting facilities in Belton.

"The camping pods and shepherds huts and associated works will not have a detrimental impact on nearby residential amenity, the character and appearance of the landscape or impact on the visual amenity and the setting of Belton.

"The proposal is in an accessible location to Belton, a Smaller Service Centre and will not generate an unacceptable increase in traffic movements including car travel."

Members agreed with the recommendation, with the approval receiving a list of conditions to be followed.